Remembering the Komagata Maru incident

The W2 Media Cafe (Vancouver) is hosting a day of remembering for the ill-fated Komagata Maru, a ship carrying 376 refugees from British India that arrived in Vancouver on May 23, 1914. After two months, the Komagata Maru was sent back to India where many of the survivors were arrested, beaten and 20 were shot to death by the British.

The day of remembering will include panel discussions by filmmaker Ali Kazami, artist Rita Wong, lawyer Catalin Mitelut, and activist Kat Norris. The infamous history has clear echoes today with current treatment of refugees who encounter border policies based on race, wealth and political affiliation.

There will also be a 60-minute Komagata Maru Memorial Walk hosted by artist T’Uy’Tanat Cease Wyss (Skwxumesh) to the Coal Harbour to visit the site of the Komagata Maru memorial plaque.

The Komagata Maru memorial day program will conclude with the screening of Continuous Journey, the amazing and moving documentary film by Ali Kazami, with introduction by the filmmaker.